Background &  Aims: Arsenic (As) is one of the toxic metals. Zinc (Zn) supplementation could have a protective effect against arsenic toxicity because of their antagonistic properties. In this study, the influence of Zn on toxicity that is caused by As on serum parameters related to liver function has been investigated.

Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 60 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into ten groups. In a short-term period: group 1 was the control, group 2, and 3 received 40 and 80 mg/l As sodium, group 4 received 40 mg/l Zn, and group 5 received 40 mg/l As sodium and zinc simultaneously. In a long-term period groups received half the dose of short-term period with oral administration. Blood samples were taken over a 15-day and 45-day period and serum enzymes of the liver were measured.

Results: The result showed that administration of four different doses of As sodium decreased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate  aminotransferase, and Aalanine aminotransferase compared to the control group. Moreover, the simultaneous use of As sodium with zinc increased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and Aalanine aminotransferase. (P<0.05)

Conclusion: Zinc supplementation can have protective effects against the toxicity caused by As on serum enzymes liver.

SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2016: 27(1): 60 ISSN: 1027-3727